New Delhi: In a significant development amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, the LNG carrier Disha has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Indian-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel to safely exit the conflict-affected region in more than three months.
The vessel, managed by a consortium led by the Shipping Corporation of India, is carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG and is expected to reach Dahej in Gujarat around June 18, officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Monday.
Addressing the media, Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the Ministry, confirmed the successful passage of the vessel through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
“As we speak now, LNG carrier Disha has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz. She is carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG cargo and is expected to enter Dahej upon arrival in India,” Sharma said.
The successful transit comes at a time when concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region remain high following a series of attacks on commercial vessels and escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Ministry stated that the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has been maintaining continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers operating in the region.
Officials also highlighted the scale of assistance being provided through the government’s maritime crisis management mechanism. Since the activation of a dedicated control room, authorities have handled 12,737 calls and more than 28,299 emails over the past 96 hours. During the same period, 406 calls and 784 emails were received from seafarers, their families and other maritime stakeholders seeking information or assistance.
The government further revealed that more than 3,587 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 50 personnel brought back during the last four days.
Despite concerns arising from the regional conflict, authorities said port operations across India continue to function normally, with no reports of congestion or disruptions.
The successful voyage of Disha is being viewed as a positive sign for India’s energy security and maritime trade, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments.
